#scarsdale

A lot of the day was at temple, in hard benches and prayer. Earl, ever steadfast, was welcome to join even if he himself was not of the faith. He is, after all, family.

Earl did go, he was quiet and respectful and honored the customs. It's clear he's learned... and at least one little jewish boy might sigh as one of his elders points at Earl with a hint of 'see, if he can do it, you can too'

This year was... odd. With masks and distance, and a camera set up for those at home.

Earl's mask , possibly crafted by Zara herself, is worn on a tight fit. It is different, but he is a troll, if the masks protects, then all the more fitting.

No snacks at the synagogue this year - after the service, it is to the Schwartzes. Miriam and Jacob are visiting, though they did not go to temple and Jacob himself does not fast. Miriam may or may not have.

Jacob is... stunned, when Earl hands him a small mask, one with jagged scary teeth painted on the cloth that would do a redcap proud, a real monster maw that is absolutely terrifying! "I thought you'd like it," Earl says

Jacob gapes and grins toothlessly, then slips it on to see what it looks like in a mirror... only he stops turns around "Thank you very much" When at least three women of the house look ready to give him the look if he doesnt' remmeber his manners. So he does. And then goes to check that reflection

A little hip-bump from his lady, approval.

What Hannah and Miriam think? Well, he may find that out shortly. But Earl smiles at Zara and mutters "he's a decent kid."

"He is. It is still odd, having a big family..."

Vashti was invited for after sunset - the plan is a "br-inner," to break-fast.

Vashti shows up with a knock at the door. "Shaloom" She says when the door is opened, and offers a small gift , a tea cozy.

"Vashti!" Zara declares, and there are hugs and hauling the pooka around to say hi to everyone. The Uncles are extra cranky, but they are also HUNGRY.

Zara disappears into the kitchen to help Hannah - much of the food had been prepared before, so it may be quickly served now. Bagels with a spread - tuna salad, lox, cream cheese and jams. Cold kugel. A cheese and veggie quiche. Fruit salad. COFFEE.

Vashti gives a hug "Oh I have heard so much about you all... some of it truly macabre, as is proper."

Earl , Zara might notice, is willing to take some of the Uncle's cranky attention if it takes pressure off Vashti and Zara. Though he knows better than to bring up baseball.

Oh no, MIRIAM has done that.

There is some heated Yankees-Mets-Trash-Talk happening.

Vashti watches this fascinated...and... her antanae twitches... and she asks "Which team has the faster runners?" PURE innocence in her expression, seeming to take no side. And then, when that trash talk debate winds down, "I see, and which one has the smarter players?"

She is, after all, a pooka, however polite.

Oh, but the nockers rise admirably to the challenge!

One claim must be disputed... and soon it's about the 1947 Mets lineup vs the 86 Yankees...

If Earl sees Zara dart out of the kitchen, he might hint "Perhaps Vashti might want to help you and your mom in the kitchen?" then a whisper "To try to keep the flare ups less?"

Why, Old Shoeless Joe.... but Mike Piazza...

Vashti watches the sports rants like one might watch a lively tennis match...back and forth...

"Well, if she's having fun? I mean, they're very occupied right now...."

Hirim has TAKEN OFF HIS HAT.

There is arm-flapping and finger-pointing and yiddish.

"I think she's mesmerized as if it were a strange tennis match... with grenades" He confessees and blinks as he realizes there are some Yiddish terms he THOUGHT he knew, but clearly underestimated their power in proper context

Jacob, loyal to his mom, scuffs his shoes as if kicking dirt on Uncle Hirim's feet..

For someoen whose whispers are drowned out in all the Yiddish, it's pretty effective communication

"YOGI BERRA!!!!"

"Smarter than the average Berra" Vashti says quietly

That cuts Hirim short. "He... he-he... heh heh heh... Ratchet! Smarter than the average Berra!"

Earl blinks. Something stopped a nocker rant?

Vashti looks demure but smiles coyly

Earl smiles, and then sniffs the air "Smells good"

"Your favorite kugel, too..."

Zara has a tray of coffee, and the mugs are distributed with a ninja-esque subtlety and precision. Hirim is drinking before he even realizes he has some!

"ooo" At the kugel.. his favorite.

Vashti does pull her eyes away from HIrim enough to say "Ah, but zara, should I be tending to some task? Cooking, Cleaning, making unpleasant people vanish in ways that seem to be of natural causes?"

"Tea."

And a cup is placed in Vashti's hands.

Vashti smiles, and takes the tea, but still tries to help if allowed.

It seems that managing the Uncles is help.

Zara may find Earl undergoing a bit of questioning about how the 'art' thing is going... and while the crafters here put the craft FIRST, there is some hinting that they hope Earl is prospering with an unspoken 'for Zara's sake'

Or perhaps that's just how Earl takes it, for he puts on his best stoic front.

Soon enough, there is coffee AND food.

Not a formal sit down dinner - everyone is in the family room, talking and eating.

Food draws attention...and chatter shifts. Vashti is charming and elegant and seems to redirect conversation of Earl's art more to it's fine merits.